Carol Henderson

Carol: a cancer survivor

When Carol Henderson was diagnosed with blood cancer, she was the President of the Alberta Teachers' Association. Because of her diagnosis, she felt she had to resign. To her surprise, she was encouraged by her colleagues to keep her position. Carol was promised support in her role while going through chemotherapy treatments. She and her team took inspiration from Jack Layton who did not resign as the leader of the NDP when he was diagnosed with cancer.

For 21 days, Carol found herself unable to do any work at all as she underwent chemotherapy. However, support from colleagues and knowing she had a job to do gave her something to look forward to. Only a few weeks after returning to work, she had to leave again to receive a transplant from her older sister – on the same day she received it, her oldest nephew was born.

Carol has since retired from the Alberta Teacher’s Association and takes part in Light The Night every year. She volunteers before the walk to help in preparation, as well as on the night of in the “in memory” tent. While Carol lives an active life, she does struggle with some physical limitations as a result of her treatment. She feared she would not be able to get through the whole walk in her first year at Light The Night. She tried though, and she made it! She finds hope in the “come-togetherness” that happens at Light The Night and loves watching the event grow.

Carol believes that if more Canadians knew how common blood cancer was and how many people were living with, they would be much more concerned about it. She believes that blood donations saved her life and she wants to do what she can to raise awareness of blood cancer. This is why Carol and Carol’s Clan walk at Light The Night